Dr. Sharon Jones a.k.a. DJ Sharky Sharon
Alright, buckle up, folks! It's time for another wild ride on the Raising a Ruckus Podcast, and boy, do we have a treat for you today. We're about to get a little – no make that a LOT smarter -- with Dr. Sharon Jones, the tech education rockstar you want to know.
Here’s the short version: a former teacher who decided the classroom wasn't enough and went on to found the Dottie Rose Foundation. Why? Because she's on a mission to kick the gender gap's butt in technology. Dr. Jones is the rebel we need, empowering young girls to dive headfirst into the crazy world of STEM.
But wait, there's more! She's a globe-trotting speaker and author, dropping knowledge on data analytics, educational practices, and tech like it's her job. Wait… it is. Her book, "A Recipe for Success Using SAS University: How to Plan Your First Analytics Project," is so good it's being used in curriculums across the country. And when she’s not busy teaching and writing, she’s out collecting awards for all her hard work.
We’ll get into all of that, and answer the two burning questions you’re probably asking yourself right now: why would someone so smart agree to be on this program, and what career path almost lured her away from computers. Listen and find out!
Cheers!
-----
-----
Who You Calling Crazy? feat. Juliet Kuehnle // Sun Counseling and Wellness
Juliet Kuehnle is one of the coolest (and most colorful) people we know. But that’s not the only reason you’ll want to listen in to this episode of the Raising a Ruckus Podcast. She’s cool because she’s on a mission to destigmatize mental health and get the treatment they need. And she’s crushing it.
Juliet is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and founder of Sun Counseling and Wellness; a practice that's as warm and welcoming as its name suggests. See what we did there? With a team of superstar providers by her side, they’re tackling everything from trauma and grief to eating disorders and anxiety.
In this episode, Juliet talks modern therapy, where authenticity meets evidence-based techniques. Her practice is all about treating the WHOLE person, and she's not afraid to get creative in her approach to helping clients achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. We also talk hair, clothes, sports, podcasts, family and books. Prepare to take notes.
Cheers!
-----
-----
How do we NOT know each other?? feat. Divakar Shukla // Radio Personality & Publisher
OG Charlotte folks may recognize the name and the voice Divakar Shukla. He was a longtime staple of Charlotte's radio and media scene. Actually, he still is.
As a former radio host on 106.5 The End, Divakar brought local music to the forefront with his iconic shows like "90 Minutes" and "The New Music & Indie Label Show," where he showcased emerging talent and indie sounds that defined Charlotte's airwaves.
But Divakar's influence doesn't stop there. He's also the publisher of Saathee Magazine, a legit print publication serving the Indian community here in Charlotte. Through Saathee, Divakar connects cultures, shares stories, and provides a platform for dialogue and celebration within the Indian diaspora. (How’s that for an SAT word, y’all?)
In this episode of The Raising a Ruckus Podcast, Divakar talks radio, rock and roll, publishing pages, and the importance of community representation in the media. But seriously, why are we just now getting in the same booth with this guy?
Cheers!
-----
-----
-----
Makayla Binter // Artist & Creator: Making CLT Creativer
Makayla Binter isn't just another artist on the program. She’s part of the TEAM at Charlotte is Creative. We’re big fans, of course. Along with helping transform the city into a canvas for artistic expression and community engagement, she’s also a creative in her own right.
In this episode of the Raising a Ruckus Podcast, Makayla explains how the outdoors in upstate NY were her early inspiration, making the move to CLT, and her personal journey as a multidisciplinary artist. Have y’all seen her website yet?? Google that after you listen in, of course.
Yes, she’s as cool as she seems on social media. And yes, she’s a smart, fun, and gracious guest.
Makayla shares her experiences of balancing commercial work with personal projects, and how she uses her art to spark conversations about social issues. From large-scale murals to intimate illustrations, she's proving that art can be both beautiful and powerful. Stick around, party people. We’re getting into it (in the best way possible) with Makayla Binter to prove once again that Charlotte is indeed Creative.
Cheers!
-----
-----
Spencer Lueders // 24 Foundation : 24 and Counting
As the founder of the 24 Foundation, Spencer Lueders is on a mission to transform lives through the power of community engagement right here in Charlotte. But that’s just part of Spencer’s story.
With a passion for philanthropy and an entrepreneurial spirit, Spencer has turned his love for cycling into a force for good. For those who aren’t in the loop, The 24 Foundation is not just about bikes; it’s about creating opportunities for individuals and families affected by cancer. Through innovative events like the 24 Hours of Booty, Bourbon for Booty, and Dam to Dam, Spencer and the 24 Foundation have raised millions to support cancer survivorship programs.
Again, that’s just part of Spencer’s story.
In the 20-plus years we’ve known him, we’ve seen him and his family do amazing things. And he’s not coasting on us yet. In this episode of The Raising a Ruckus Podcast, we’ll talk innovation, inspiration, and legacy. Let’s goooooooo!
Cheers!
-----
-----
Lauren Ansley // Ansley Entertainment: Employee of the Month
We're about to raise a ruckus with THE Employee of the Month, the queen of corporate entertainment herself, Lauren Ansley! She’s also the Founder and CEO of Ansley Entertainment, in case you’re trying to catch up. Her superpowers? Captivating crowds, inspiring teams, and polishing presentations like a pro.
In this episode, Lauren spills the beans on how she built her empire in Charlotte and beyond, working with awesome organizations and leaving a trail of engaged audiences in her wake. She's seriously funny, and this episode is loaded with laughs. But it ain’t all fun and games, people.
So, whether you're looking to polish your own presentation skills, want to learn how to work a room like a pro, or just find out how to host a meeting or event that doesn’t suck -- buckle up! Lauren Ansley is about to take us on a wild ride through the world of corporate entertainment and training. Trust us, after this episode, you'll wonder why you haven’t called her yet.
Cheers!
-----
-----
Jania Massey // Stiletto Boss
Get ready to strut your stuff and break some glass ceilings, because we're about to raise a ruckus with the one and only Jania Massey, the mastermind behind Stiletto Boss! This fierce entrepreneur is proving that you can conquer the business world in high heels and still kick ass.
Jania's journey from ambitious dreamer to badass boss lady is filled with more twists and turns than a pair of stilettos on a cobblestone street. That’s gotta leave a mark. She's faced down doubters, shattered stereotypes, and built an empire that's as fabulous as it is formidable. And she’s paying it forward. That’s the whole point, right??
In this episode, Jania spills the tea on the blood, sweat, and broken heels behind her success. From late-night hustles to boardroom battles, she's seen it all and come out on top, looking fierce AF[2].
So, strap on your power pumps, if that’s your thing, and get ready for some real talk about what it takes to be a Stiletto Boss in a world that often tries to keep women down. Trust us, after this episode, you'll be ready to stomp all over your own limitations and reach for the stars – in style, of course.
Cheers!
-----
-----
Seriously dynamic duo feat. Sydney Duarte & Osiris Rain
Here we go! It’s The Raising a Ruckus Podcast … the joint all about rule-breakers, change-makers, and risk-takers — and the leaps of faith, sleepless nights, disasters, and big decisions they made along the way. Welcome to the show!
Sydney Duarte and Osiris Rain may be some of the biggest names in the CLT art scene. Responsible for some of the most recognizable and Instagramable works around these parts, they’ve installed big, award-winning art all over the world, too.
But it’s a smaller, startup project called the TAOH Outdoor Gallery that’s got these two heavy-hitters paired with the Piece for Peace Movement, the City of Charlotte, Proffitt Dixon Partners, Art Walks CLT, and other artists. And it’s all about paying it forward. They’re pooling resources, sharing space, and providing opportunities for up-and-coming creators to collaborate with established artists in a low-stakes environment. They’re literally working to build the proving ground they wished they’d had.
If that sounds hippy-dippy, kumbaya AF, that’s because it kinda is. And we love it.
Let’s get into it on this episode of The Raising a Ruckus Podcast.
Cheers!
-----
-----
Hold My Beer feat. Adam Bratton
Adam Bratton is the kind of guy Roosevelt and Hemmingway would want to take lessons from. A courageous soul and an adventurous dude, for sure; Adam has taken some pretty epic journeys – many of them his own creations. If you’ve every DIY’d your own getaway, then you have a pretty good idea of some of the stories he’s got in his back pocket.
But Adam wasn’t content with a pocketful of stories. Nope, he wanted to make a mess of everyone else’s weekends, too. In the best possible way, of course.
Human Powered Movement becomes a thing. The “movement” then inspires actual, factual events. Naturally, the events require beers.
Modern Renaissance Man that he is, Adam would not be content with just any beer. He had to make a mess of his own garage, too. And that’s just part of our story. Tap into this episode of The Raising a Ruckus Podcast as we get into all of that with our guest Adam Bratton.
Cheers!
-----
-----
